Goa, June 23 -- In a first-of-its-kind heritage initiative, the Goa Archives Department will launch a statewide survey from July 1 to trace and document centuries-old manuscripts hidden in homes, churches, temples, libraries, and family estates.

Under the Goa State Mission for Manuscripts, formed as part of the Gyan Bharatam Mission, the department aims to compile a digital-ready inventory of Goa's rich but undocumented manuscript heritage. The mission will function from Altinho, Panjim, and focus on documenting, not acquiring, manuscripts-unless owners voluntarily hand them over.

"This year, our focus is to complete a pilot study. We believe there are documents of immense historical and cultural value that have been handed down through...